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  1. FAQs
  2. Locating a prisoner

Locating a Prisoner

If you are trying to locate a prisoner, you can use the Prisoner Location Service. You can also find more information on our website about locating a prisoner by clicking here. 

After a court appearance

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If your loved one was recently in court and received a prison sentence, you can contact the court and ask to speak to the cells, and they may be able to tell you which prison your loved one has been sent to. You can also try contacting the solicitor who may know that information and be able to share it with you.

Published: 1st November, 2020

Updated: 20th November, 2020

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I think I know where they are - how do I get in touch?

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If you have an idea of which prison your loved one might be in, you can write a letter to them at that prison. Ensure you put your loved one's name and date of birth on the front of the envelope followed by the full address of the prison, your name, address and relationship to them on the back of the envelope. Within the letter you can include all of the phone numbers your loved one might need, as well as requesting their prison number which you will need going forward. 

Published: 3rd November, 2020

Updated: 20th November, 2020

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After a transfer

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Prisoners at a new establishment will get a short phone call they can make to a loved one once the registration process has been completed. This is usually within 72 hours but can sometimes take up to 1 week. Prisoners are not allowed mobile phones, so please bear in mind that if they have not written down or memorised their stored phone numbers, they may not be able to get in touch straight away. Once in prison, the prisoner has to pay for telephone calls, so they will not be able to call until they have money in their account.

If your loved one has been transferred and you don't know where they are, you can write a letter to the prisoner and send it to their previous prison, and your letter should be passed on to the new establishment.

Published: 4th November, 2020

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Showing 10 of 3

Latest

  • Online visits booking request service returns

    Online visits booking request service returns

    The online service that allows you to request a visit to see someone in prison has been brought back to prisons in England and Wales.

  • Covid testing for visits update

    Covid testing for visits update

    Although prison visitors do not usually have to take Covid tests anymore, prisons sometimes need to bring back testing temporarily if there is a Covid outbreak.

  • Update: online visits booking request service returning soon

    Update: online visits booking request service returning soon

    The online service that allows you to request a visit to see someone in prison will be available again soon, but slightly later than first reported.

  • Update: Improvements being made to pre-call message

    Update: Improvements being made to pre-call message

    HMPPS has been receiving complaints and questions about the new message that is now played when prisoners make phone calls. Because of this, some improvements are being made to the system.

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The National Prisoners’ Families Helpline is operated by Prison Advice and Care Trust under contract to Her Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service.

The NICCO website provides information for professionals who come into contact with the children and families of offenders.